McCauley Honored for Service to SBIR

March 02, 2009

Dr. James McCauley of the Weapons and Materials Research Directorate (WMRD) was recognized with an award for his four years of service as the Army Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technology Area Chief (TAC) at a ceremony on Dec. 10, 2008 at the Adelphi Laboratory Center.

The SBIR is a congressionally-mandated, small business set-aside program designed to provide small, high-tech businesses the opportunity to propose innovative research and development solutions to critical Army needs and develop a broader business base for future requirements. In support of the program, ten senior technologists from across the Army are selected to be Technology Area Chiefs and serve as the source selection evaluation board for more than 500 contract awards per year.

According to his award citation, McCauley during his service as a TAC evaluated hundreds of proposals for feasibility, innovation, relevance, commercialization potential and technical expertise for the performers.

"His efforts ensured that the Army invested in efforts that had the best chances for meeting Army needs and fostering a more robust business community supporting Army acquisition. As a result, Dr. McCauley influenced and provided the direction for much of the research and development that led to materials and equipment supporting Soldiers today," the citation stated.

The award was presented by Maj. Shane M. Sullivan, deputy program manager of the Army SBIR program.